7 Gear MISTAKES Beginner Backpackers Make

[@bearanoia673]

Another thing you can do to help with the Sawyer squeeze is to replace the white gasket/washer with one from the hardware store that has the built in screen (used for washing machines). It's the same size and helps strain out dirt particles and solids before it goes through your filter.

[@JeremiahStringer]

What an awesome hack!! I'm trying that out!

[@maryrobinson728]

Nice idea. Do they also stay in place any better?

[@bearanoia673]

@MaryRobinson In my experience, they are the same but, I've never had the original one fall out. The new washer definitely helps the clogging problem. Sometimes in the desert, the water sources can be sketchy or 'thick' 😁

[@benhauber1979]

Will definitely be doing this upgrade.

[@cliffbear4795]

Never thought of that thanks for sharing 🤘

[@benhauber1979]

Jeremiah, my sawyer squeeze got completely stopped up because I let it dry with hard tap water in it. You can clear it out by slowly working some vinegar through it. The vinegar dissolves the hard water minerals. It takes a little while, but it got mine back to working like new when I thought I would have to throw it away. Now I do my final rinse with distilled water before drying for storage.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'll have to try that because I have a few laying around useless right now

[@frostriver4547]

Great tips!!

[@SouthernHike]

Cutting down on extra clothing was one of the biggest lessons i learned years ago. Excellent tips Jeremiah!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you! It saves me weight every time

[@benwelch4076]

Great video, entertaining and informative. First off I am old, in mind, body but not in spirit. I use an external frame pack, I find it helps keep my load better balanced and situated. My first back packing trip I didn't bring enough, then I way over compensated, I did bring a portable canvas sink! Some of the best advice I was given, was to allow some extra weight, maybe half a pound to bring some morale booster. For me its a pad of paper, a pencil and a deck of cards. Cheers and stay safe.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is great advice, Ben! Love the comment :D

[@granite-headgold1038]

I ditched the syringe to my Sawyer Squeeze and replaced it with the Sawyer SP150 coupler. Now I can screw a clean bottle of water on the output side of the filter and just squeeze it to back-flush. MUCH lighter and compact than the syringe, and easy to use in the bush. I also use it to store my extra O-ring inside of in my repair kit.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great solution!!

[@granite-headgold1038]

@@JeremiahStringer Thanks; I can't remember where I first heard about it, but it's definitely a cool little game changer! It weighs in at 0.19oz and is slightly bigger than a Smartwater cap... vs the bulky 0.94oz syringe. And like I said, extra O-rings for the Sawyer tuck neatly inside it, since it is the same thread after all. Keep up the great videos, and keep on truckin' brother!

[@john_kelley]

I feel like you just spent almost 10 minutes talking about me when I started. LOL Great video!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I felt like I was talking about me XD

[@tboneoutdoors688]

When I started backpacking back in the mid 90’s, we would only go a couple times a year and I would always over pack food and cloths because I would forget what I brought and didn’t; use last trip, so a list after the hike is a good idea. Oddly enough I never brought enough whiskey…

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol the essentials

[@treebeardtheent2200]

👍👍👍 Consistently emphasizes that there is no absolute right/wrong way to do it. Right on. Right on. Right on. Hopefully all the other wannabe experts get the hint. It's not too good to learn the hard way about wearing cotton, but everything else is pretty much learn your own thing as you go. The best advise imo isn't what to take or leave so much as give it a test run before taking anything out for an extended commitment. That way, a person can learn for themself what works for them personally.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love it!! :D

[@whateverthisis3929]

Thanks a million for the calcium in mains water tip!!! Where i live has super hard water and i forgot about my filter. Saved me big time, i'll use my rain water.

[@JeremiahStringer]

No problem :D

[@GratefulTrekker]

Amen brother don't scare newbies away hike your own hike

[@JeremiahStringer]

Truth

[@jeffinBrooklyn1]

Nice video. I don’t think there’s enough videos that discuss gear maintenance after your back from a trip. Thanks for touching on it

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a great video idea to dedicate a whole one to

[@m.hernandez1404]

Good point! Everything you used for a trip needs to be inspected and cleaned every time. Kind of a hassle but worth the time. I always set up, inspect, and clean my tent(s) in my backyard and make sure they're completely dry and ready to go for the next trip.

[@alexfigirova]

Keep up the great work! Amazing content! I didn’t even think about the hard water and filter back flush concern. Thank you for sharing.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Appreciate that!!

[@thesciencetalkers3578]

My personal experience with "gear mistake #1" is quite the opposite. My natural inclination is to fill up the pack. So I buy a pack that is just what I think I need, volume-wise, or even a bit smaller than I think I'll need. Its limited size forces me to consider and reconsider every item that goes into it. My base weights are not in the ultralight category, but I think I'm doing alright with a typical 3-season base weight of 11-13 lbs. for 5-day treks in the Sierra Nevada. Your mileage may vary.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great point :D

[@DetraDearmas]

I was surprised years ago to find out that a real outfitters store will usually let you put up the tent and crawl in. I bought over $400 worth of tents that day. Still have the big one. It took awhile but the boy finally wore his out. Long after he was a married papa. If I could find another one like it I'd pay double for it!

[@JeremiahStringer]

That's a great store policy. I'd spend money there too lol

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I have to air out EVERYTHING when I get home- water filter, sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad... Even if they're just moist from my sweat or what have you (no sweat through the water filter unless I'm mega desperate!), they still really need to air out before they get put away. The garage always has gear draped all over the place after a trip!

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'm right there with you lol Looks like a gear explosion

[@stitchbackstories]

Great video, thanks for sharing! I totally forgot about rinsing my sawyer squeeze with distilled water and now I need to go check on it haha

[@JeremiahStringer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EspenFrafalne]

I dont own this filter (yet), but im guessing those cleaning fluids for coffee makers should work really good for this purpose.

[@walk-tall-hikes]

That beard is coming in nice!! Love the sound of the cicadas! This video will be nostalgic for you to look back on as the year of the cicadas 2021! ( Better than the year of covid!) Great tips as usual Thanks!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you :D Yeah I love the sounds

[@berniebroering7438]

On the water filter, I would back flush it with distilled water and not tap water. Tap water in the Midwest is quite "hard" with added minerals to prevent pipe "erosion" but it tends to leave hardened minerals over time. Just like a coffee maker you could back flush it at home with a mixture of white vinegar (1 tsp.) and (1 cup) distilled water. You can get distilled water from most Kroger or Warmart stores. Thanks Jeremiah for the tips. Cheers!

[@JeremiahStringer]

My pleasure! And thank you for the great suggestion!!

[@kcricket39]

I wish I had been able to get my pack like you suggested! I'm 5'0" with a 12.5" torso length, so finding a pack that fits me at all was almost impossible. I basically ended up with two options: a 55L or a 70L. I went with the 55L to help me not over pack. It's been a challenge fitting all of the things I'm required to carry for a guided group trip I'm going on. I'm going to have to ask the guides to help me pack more efficiently.

[@JeremiahStringer]

You'll be there soon :D

[@andm6847]

LOL, just bought lightweight Zeiss binos because I love having binos with me. It's my luxury item. But I admit even I use them only 5-10 minutes per hike but I carry them for 8-10 hours.

[@JeremiahStringer]

All worth it during that 10 minutes!

[@treebeardtheent2200]

I remember years ago they made cheap light plastic binos for kids. Now I want a pair. No big loss if it fails, but really lightweight. 4 power or something like that. Many many times I wish I had something like that.

[@Knordsman]

Heads up to all you getting started. Get your gear first. Then buy the bag. A tip, you can purchase multiple bags from either REI or Amazon, leave the tags on, and try to fit your gear in each bag. Once you decide on which one you like, return it to the store. Just be courteous and dont get them dirty or damage the tags.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Great tip!!

[@blakew5672]

Awesome point. Should add if you don’t have an REI close by (like is KY guys) Amazon is the way to go, free return shipping, and you don’t even have to pack it up, just drop it off at a UPS store.

[@Fusterclucked00]

The longer I stare at your beard, the redder it gets. That's some powerful beard magic.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol that's hilarious

[@hikingmule]

Great video and advice (as always).

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you!! :D

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... All comments are meant to be helpful ,, not everyone hikes the same way or places and needs the same gear .... .............but my way is best .....lol.. .. Enjoy the great outdoors .. .. Thanks alot ,, kicked the bell and broke my foot ... Now I need Black Diamond Hiking Crutches ..

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD Got a good laugh

[@scottplumer3668]

My biggest mistake as a beginner was not wearing my pack correctly. My son actually showed me how to use the hipbelt to take the weight off my shoulders. I actually wasn't that much of a beginner, now that I think about it, but it was a game changer.

[@JeremiahStringer]

I've had them to blister me too

[@EspenFrafalne]

I think its totally ok to bring some extra stuff as long as my backpack doesnt get heavier than im ok with carrying. As i get easily bored, id especially need some extra stuff for longer trips, like my video glasses (100g), so i can watch some videos before getting to bed. Also got a Bresser "Zoomar 8-25x25" monoccular which i like to bring. It only weighs 124g, and can focus on things as close as about 30cm away, so it also works as a microscope. For longer trips where a battery bank is not enough, i also like to bring one of my 28W solar panels (2 if im bikepacking).

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'm right there with you :D

[@SteveSmith-67]

For pack volume get a cardboard box, fill it with your gear, measure the volume of your gear ie length width depth, then convert that to volume on the web. Then when you have your volume you know what volume pack you need or want or at least have an idea.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is such a great idea!! :)

[@SteveSmith-67]

@@JeremiahStringer works every time and saves taking your stuff into store plus gives you volume options like extra volume or helps reduce your weight by choosing a lower volume 👍 not my idea but I’ve shared it far and wide as it’s so easy, your first piece of backpacking gear = an empty cardboard box

[@GratefulTrekker]

Good stuff I didn't know that you did meet ups on occasion but Crow mentioned you to me he's a great guy!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love that guy!! :D

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

Im pretty jealous of the new tent... Ive been eyeing it as soon as Sea To Summit announced their new tents. Plan on doing a review?

[@JeremiahStringer]

I'll put some miles on that sucker and review it :D

[@DaveOffGrid]

Great video Jeremiah! I liked the not storing your gear wet advice! That's a great one! I also backflush but after every use of the filter. I end up using some of the water I just filtered to backflush. It's taking some water away from your store but works great.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great technique

[@katycross6585]

I backflush the filter with a coupler on my bottle. I started filtering some extra water into my clean mug. Then, after I backflush I use the clean water in my mug to top up my bottle.

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@katycross6585 great technique!

[@hindsfeetonhighplaces]

I had an issue with my back flush syringe for the Sawyer. It SPLIT on me (cracked along the side of the body). Thankfully I can still back flush with the screw on adapter and hose that came with it, which I take anyway since I use a gravity system. But it was super annoying when I first discovered it and it started spraying out the side.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Well that sucks

[@RealHankShill]

I think to add on to the taking things you dont need thing. Is you have to limit your intentions or goals. If you go out and try to do too many things, you will have far too much weight and wind up not doing any of it. Its hard if you have limited time in the year to take trips, but trying to backpack a trail, look for birds, test out a new knife, and make no compromises on food and a warm sleep system quickly adds up to a pack that is too heavy. Have to pick what you are trying to do, and then equip solely for that. It winds up being the ol "well whats 4 more oz" but it happens three or four times more because of all your different systems that you are now packing for

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great point! Those grams and ounces start adding up quick too

[@theslowwalker]

For my scouts I have a box that I have them place there gear in then calculate the volume they'll need Height x Width x Length. I actually have serval levels marked with volume when gear is stacked to those levels.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is awesome! :D

[@ericduan19]

i always bring the 2 biggest/longest items that i'll 100% carry in my backpack with me when i shop for backpack. yeah, it's gonna be a hassle but its my surefire way of picking the backpack that would work. plus, those items would work as weight as i try the backpack on. an empty backpack's straps will feel very different.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a great idea though! Let's you know if it is going to work

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

When you backflush before long term storage do you use bleach water? I started do this some time back after learning most manufacturers recommended a small bleach mixture. Before I did nothing and never had a problem but still a little gross

[@JeremiahStringer]

I haven’t used a bleach mixture, but you are right. A lot of manufactures suggest it. You are supposed to with Sawyer Filters before long time storage

[@tanvirrahman2997]

Dear, I watched your review video about Gear MISTAKES Beginner Backpackers Make on KZbin, and you really have done a great job on this. I love your video style very much. You will be given some outdoor camping products for free. And you will create a review of it and upload it to your channel. Best regard

[@JeremiahStringer]

Got your email

[@tanvirrahman2997]

Are you agree?

[@JeremiahStringer]

@@tanvirrahman2997 I responded to the email

[@tanvirrahman2997]

@@JeremiahStringer ok Dear, but I did not get your email.

[@oldunion]

for back-flushing filters, use distilled water. Simple, done.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Perfect :)

[@GMiller75]

brilliant points.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you! :D

[@tps3057]

Can you use bottled water to backflush the sawyer squeeze

[@JeremiahStringer]

You can, but they don't recommend it. If I was doing a thru hike it would be my go to technique though so I don't have to carry the plunger. I backflush mine after every trip with the plunger that comes with it when I get home

[@dougjohnsonj3438]

Hi is there a speed you have to flush your water filter at slow, medium, or fast? Thanks love your videos. I have learned a lot!

[@JeremiahStringer]

I haven't thought about it, honestly. I try not to force the water through too fast. I think it might damage the filter

[@dougjohnsonj3438]

@@JeremiahStringer Ok thank you

[@tps3057]

Hi I'm from the uk ...love your channel

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you, Terry :D Appreciate you watching!

[@stlyg777]

Hi J! I live in Lawrenceburg, KY and would love to meet up with you and JK sometime at RRG. I did the Auxier trail recently and it was a great trip. Going to Yahoo Falls this weekend with Troop 37 to teach the kids some skills!

[@blakew5672]

Just Yahoo, or are you hitting the others out there? It’s fairly close to princess falls and lick creek falls if I remember correctly. It’s been about a year, need to head back down to Daniel Boone myself.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That will be a great trip!! Love that area :D

[@stlyg777]

@@blakew5672 we are keeping the mileage manageable for shorter legs so it's a good experience for them. Our route is still being determined. Thanks for the tips.

[@tammieflemal7871]

First mistake I made was buying a crappack from Wally World. Knew nothing about fit just thought spending hundreds on a pack I might never use was dumb. Did the first hike and the pack almost killed my back!!! But was HOOKED on hiking!! So…. Went to the REI near me and tried packs got measured and fitted. Bought an Osprey pack used it for a few years then bought the lighter version that same pack.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love my Osprey :D They make great stuff

[@blakew5672]

Helpful hint, take a pen and paper with you the first few times you go. Write down everytime you use an item. At the end of the trip note which things you didn’t use much, if at all. Leave them out. The things at the top of the list? Put them in the easiest to access pockets. If you can access them without taking your pack off even better.

[@JeremiahStringer]

That is a fantastic helpful hint! :)

[@treebeardtheent2200]

A very small notebook does the job in my experience and I write more than most folks. Weatherproof notepad is best if someone likes to record permanent memories. Regular paper and ziplock is fine for basic notekeeping unless wet weather is a normal expectation.

[@nikolassoucy199]

I'm 6ft8 so I understand the struggle of finding a good tent, 1P and 2P tents aren't viable for me, even when I solo hike I bring My Marmot Catalyst 3P tent and it's just long enough haha

[@JeremiahStringer]

It's tough. Have you tried out tarp camping?

[@djw8504]

I was just wondering why u haven’t put a new video out, and hoping everything’s going ok. Good to see ya!! 😁

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you, Dorothy! Great to hear from you :D I've been a little under the weather, but got the video out during this week

[@kocronashi]

💯on checking egos. There is no THE way, just A way. It's different for everyone and that's ok :) We're all here to enjoy the great outdoors (so let's all leave no trace).

[@JeremiahStringer]

Love it! :D

[@dj-kq4fz]

Thanks JS! Dave J

[@JeremiahStringer]

My pleasure!

[@brandonsmith1647]

Good stuff.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@2laughandlaugh]

I backflush the Sawyer mini nightly when I'm hiking....i figure it can't hurt.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Def can't hurt. Mine stopped up quick

[@stevelarsen965]

Is a "tint" the same as a "tent"?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol it is in KY

[@MeetMeOutside]

What’s a “Tint” ? Not sure what a “ Tint” is ? Lol😂😂 It’s like me saying “ Pak your Ca “ I was exposed to your Kentucky accent when Jason hiked up here in March in the snow ! Very cool ! Cheers

[@tktnidjet]

Tints are those things with vegtibules attached to them, right @jeremiahstringerhikes? Maybe John Kelley can help us out here with translation? 😂 love the videos Jeremiah!

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@tktnidjet 😂 Good stuff !

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD he has the same Eastern KY accent as me

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@JeremiahStringer 👍✌️

[@nickname6747]

Was that background noise being made by some kind of insect? Those critters were noisy. Thanks for uploading Jeremiah. Cheers.

[@walk-tall-hikes]

They are the cicadas! Google it, they only come out every 17 years!

[@JeremiahStringer]

Walk-Tall nailed it

[@chillstudio545]

Amazing share 💐💐💐

[@JeremiahStringer]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@chillstudio545]

@@JeremiahStringer u welcome bro🤝🤝

[@SeniorHiker77]

My way is the best. Lol

[@SouthernHike]

hahaha

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I second that

[@Rebekah9983]

I didn’t get the notification and I have the bell on all notifications

[@JeremiahStringer]

lol that’s because I haven’t published this video yet. It doesn’t come out until Monday. I don’t know how you saw it

[@Rebekah9983]

Weird, I just checked your channel and it said 5 hours ago

[@JeremiahStringer]

Super odd

[@walk-tall-hikes]

@@JeremiahStringer stranger still Jeremiah! It is Wednesday morning September 1st on the East Coast and this video just came out for me this morning with a notification! And it says it came out 1 hour ago! 2 days later!? KZbin is going crazy...

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I was finally able to publish this morning

[@danielholman7225]

Thanks for the helpful tips. Every little bit helps said the old woman who peed in the ocean.

[@JeremiahStringer]

My pleasure :D

[@weijingburr2392]

Got a code for Backcountry for my 25th order?

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol unfortunately not

[@Xtariz]

I for one is the guy who takes too much food... But that's never a bad thing...

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I did it last trip

[@renitastringer2749]

🙌🏻💙😊

[@JeremiahStringer]

😃😊

[@justjonoutdoors]

Don’t consider tap water to be “clean” water when you are back-flushing. I also back-flush EVERY time I use it, not just every trip…

[@JeremiahStringer]

Good thinking :)

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Not a bad idea to back-flush every time. My own thing is to filter sediment first before I ever subject field water to my Sawyer no matter how clean it looks to the naked eye. It's amazing how much crud becomes visible on a simple micro-fiber cloth used for such a purpose. When I think how the filters actually work, it just makes no sense to subject a filter to such crud and expect it to actually work right more than once. It would be like throwing three gallons of grass and leaves into a clothes dryer with your laundry and then never cleaning the lint trap.

[@squadcast7456]

This video is very American 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Shout out from nottingham 🇬🇧

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol thank you. What up!? :D

[@squadcast7456]

@@JeremiahStringer I am just throwing all my hiking gear away because u said its all useless 🤣

[@OutLan]

I think @jeremiah stringer hikes just said I was a beginner! :-P

[@JeremiahStringer]

XD You know I love you bro

[@OutLan]

@@JeremiahStringer Love you too 😘

[@tribalismblindsthembutnoty124]

those binoculars are not adj for you, are they? That was too wide, surely. Well, I am a woman wiht a little head so

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol I just found them in my garage and thought they would be a good prop

[@ilovejesuschrist2581]

PRAISE THE LORD YESHUA HE WILL BE HERE SOON The Lords Day is coming Joel 2 prepare yourselves by calling upon Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and repent of them He will be here soon this is the LAST TRUMPET!!!!!☝☝☝🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@asmith7876]

Been waiting for 2000 years but you say he's coming soon, huh? Can you be a tad more specific?

[@jasjas8232]

Do I need a covid vaccine to back pack?

[@williamgarrison6060]

No, you just need an immune system, freedom and common sense

[@JeremiahStringer]

Lol not in KY